BOAT owners have joined forces with the police in a bid to crack down on a rising tide of marine crime.

BOAT owners have joined forces with the police in a bid to crack down on a rising tide of marine crime.

Marine theft in Anglesey and Gwynedd has risen in recent years prompting concern for the police, local business and the Welsh coastline.

In 2000 the bill for reported crime reached over #200,000, prompting a fresh drive to reduce illegal activity.

Marine Watch is a free self help scheme supported by North Wales Police, the Coastguard, Customs and Excise and the RNLI.

Chairman of Ynys Mon-Gwynedd Marine Watch James Stokes said: "Our role is to help to reduce the incidents of crime relating to boats, rigging and fixtures, fuel, electronics and the general damage that is caused to boats that are left unattended.

"The way we achieve this is by our members being observant and vigilant when out on the water or in the harbour. We have members all around the coast of Anglesey and Gwynedd, working with the North Wales Police to catch the people who steal from us.

"We are not vigilantes - we do not use any other methods than the legal options available."

Inspector Aled Jones, Western Community Safety Inspector for North Wales Police, said: "The aim is to promote good citizenship and greater public participation to prevent marine crime.

"We look to do this by raising awareness within the marine community so we can reduce crime and the opportunities for crime, and gather information to detect crime.

"Marine Watch coordinators are all volunteers and are supported by us. They have been very proactive in promoting the scheme."

Marine Watch was first set up in 1993 but interest levels were low and it failed.

The response to the re-launched scheme, which offers free registration of boats and equipment, has been very positive and there is evidence it is working.

A Marine Watch patrol boat is planned to increase presence around Anglesey and further deter criminals.

Robin Howells, sales manager at ABC Power Marine, is the area coordinator in Beaumaris, which is one the areas most affected by marine crime.

He said: "The scheme has been in its infancy now for about nine months and there has been a good response to the registration forms and the response from local industry in terms of sponsorship has been very good as well.

"Marine Watch has helped but what is disappointing is that we don't have a representative from every dealer around the island." The benefits of registering kit with Marine Watch are explained in a leaflet by David Way, area coordinator for Rhosneigr, Anglesey.